What is Kobudo

All martial arts are divided into their own sections, karate, Judo, jiu-Jitsu ect. But only Kobudo bridges that gap between all disciplines. So what is Kobudo?

There are many different styles and discipline that make up martial arts and Kobudo is one discipline that is normally found practiced within all the various martial arts.There is, as to be expected, a general cross over of techniques, moves and styles between all the generally recognised martial arts. But nothing is exclusive to all martial arts as they all pick up something from each other.The art of Kobudo very much links all martial arts yet stands alone as a very skilful and much envied style.

What is Kobudo.?

The word Kobudo can be broken breaks down into it's three main parts - 'Ko' meaning ‘Ancient’ - 'Bu' meaning 'to cease war' or 'Peace' and 'Do' meaning ‘the Way’ - Hence we get "the ancient way of peace" Essentially, Kobudo, in it's more practical and modern sense, is now considered to be 'the use and practice of ancient martial arts weapons'. Weapons that were developed during the 17th century to ward off invading armies and are now used to keep those traditional techniques and skills alive.

What common weapons are used in this martial art.?

There are many ancient and not so ancient martial arts weapons that are used in Kobudo training today, ranging from simple hand held knives, known as a Tanto to the far more elaborate weapons like the art of Kendo known as the Shinai. A shortlist of the most commonly found weapons, for both attack and defence, are shown below:

The Tanto knife

A short bladed, single handed knife.

The Tanto knife can be easily concealed below the clothing and is a deadly weapon when used in close combat or as a secondary weapon. - Many women used to carry a Tanto for protection in ancient Japan.

In training you would use a wooden or rubber Tanto to practice techniques at both attacking with the Tanto and also defensive manoeuvres and methods of disarming.

Katana

The Bo Staff

A bamboo cane stick

The Bo Staff is probably the most common martial arts weapon used in training today. Basically, it's just a long stick about 1" in diameter - normally found in three sizes measuring 55", 60" and 72" respectively and used to perform many techniques throughout many martial arts disciplines.

The Bo Staff is, in fact, a very versatile weapon for both attack and defence. Giving distance between two fighters it can out manoeuvre many other traditional weapons.

It's good when you see you children progress through the ranks.I love teaching students - the latest generation of 'humans' are just so much faster, stronger and quicker than I ever was. I hope he continues for many more years.

My son is a 2nd degree black belt in Goju Ru Okinawan Karate-do, it took him 6 yrs. to get his black belt. Karate has been great for him, he learned he loved working with young children and is now a teacher. He loves kobudo too, but his Sensei makes sure to call it "a self protection art" with the climate being as politically correct as it is. He is currently working with a nunte bo.